Real Madrid announced in an official statement the nature of Antonio Rudiger’s injury, and the Spanish media specified the duration of the German star’s absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Rudiger left the Espanyol match after only 15 minutes due to an injury to his right foot, and it was said that it may be in the hamstring, which raised panic about the possibility of him being away from the stadiums for months.
What is Rudiger’s injury in the Real Madrid and Espanyol match?
According to Real Madrid’s statement, Rudiger underwent medical examinations on Sunday morning, and the results were largely reassuring.
Fortunately, the German’s injury was not in the hamstring, but in the biceps femoris muscle in the right leg.
Duration of Rudiger’s absence from Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s statement did not specify the duration of Rudiger’s absence from the Merengue, and was content to say that his return to the stadiums depends on the speed of his recovery.
According to Marca, the 31-year-old’s absence will likely extend to a maximum of 3 weeks.
Parte médico de Rüdiger.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) February 2, 2025
Matches that Rudiger will miss
Real Madrid will lose Rudiger in the capital derby against Atletico Madrid next week, and before that against Leganes this week in the Spanish King’s Cup.
It has also become certain that Rudiger will miss the match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 play-off.
The Sierra Leonean will also miss the match against Osasuna in La Liga, and it is likely that he will not make it to the second leg against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Rudiger is expected to return if he completes his recovery against Girona on February 23, and it may be postponed until the match against Real Betis at the beginning of March at the latest.
Real Madrid’s options to replace Rudiger
Coach Carlo Ancelotti now has limited options to replace Rudiger in the heart of the defense before the decisive period that awaits Real.
Los Blancos currently have only David Alaba back from injury, Raul Asensio and Jesus Vallejo, who has only played 26 minutes, at centre-back.
Ancelotti may have to rely on Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back or Ferland Mendy to fill the gap.
